Reports are saying Rian Johnson will take over the Star Wars franchise from JJ Abrams (Picture: AP)

Looper director Rian Johnson is reportedly a done deal to write and direct the next two Stars Wars films.

In a move no one saw coming, it appears JJ Abrams – the director of Star Wars 7 – will be stepping aside from the franchise once the upcoming film is completeleted.

Deadline reports that Luacsfilm is on the verge of making a deal with director for Stars VIII and Star Wars IX.

The site reads that the move ‘is in keeping with Disney and Lucasfilm’s strategy of entrusting the venerable franchise to the best and brightest of writers and directors, including the spinoff films that are being directed by Chronicle’s Josh Trank and Godzilla’s Gareth Edwards.’

He is set to take over the core film franchise, and will be joined by producer Ram Bergman.

JJ Abrams seems to be stepping down from the Star Wars franchise Episode 7 (Picture: AP)

Everything is yet to be officially announced, but Johnson has taken to Twitter to post a clip from another space movie called The Right Stuff.